Spreading the word
Posted by PA3 Richard Brahm, Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Written by: Ensign Eric Hudson
The Coast Guard conducts multiple missions ranging from aids to navigation to marine safety. But perhaps the mission we are most known for is search and rescue.
Coast Guard members work and train tirelessly to stay prepared in case the unthinkable happens and someone needs our help.
But how often do the people that we rescue get a chance to see behind the Coast Guard’s curtains?
On April 21, students from Memorial High School located in Port Arthur, Texas, and Girl Scout Daisy & Brownie Troop 27081 had a chance to see behind those curtains.
Members of the Coast Guard Cutter Dauntless welcomed 40 people aboard to tour and learn about one of the Coast Guards elite defenders of the Gulf of Mexico.
Most of the children that visited the Dauntless had little to no knowledge about the Coast Guard and its various missions.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Adrian Ortegon, an operations specialist aboard the Dauntless, and Lt. j.g. Kayla Abruzzese, the support officer for the Dauntless, described the bridge’s equipment including radios, radars, and the helm. They also took students up to the flying bridge and demonstrated how to a properly stand look-out while underway.
“It’s always a pleasure to be able to help children, I was able to give them a tour and explain some of the systems the Dauntless uses and how it helps us complete the multitude of missions we have been assigned,” stated Ortegon. “It’s always good to see people interested about the Coast Guard and what we actually do.”
They were also given opportunities to learn about the Dauntless’ law enforcement capabilities such as, the use of small boats, the Mark 38 machine-gun, and the cutter’s ability to land and launch helicopters.
The children also toured the engine room and learn about emergency procedures crew members train for while underway.
“Some of the children were amazed at how the cutter makes its own water, food, and heat,” said Ensign Eric Hudson, public affairs officer for the Dauntless.
Ensign Mason Cook also demonstrated to the group how Dauntless fights shipboard fires. He donned a Fire Fighting Ensemble and explained the procedures of combating a main space fire.
“The message we wanted to instill in the students and Girls Scouts was that in the Coast Guard, women have the same opportunities that males do,” said Cook. “I think everyone learned something new and more importantly they had fun.”
“I think that they will get off the Dauntless with a greater understanding of not only what Dauntless’ missions are, but why the Coast Guard is unique and vital to the nation’s well-being,” stated Hudson.
The Dauntless has proudly reached out to over 120 adults and children in the surrounding communities and plans to continue setting a positive example for young adults.
Tags: Coast Guard Cutter Dauntless, Ens. Eric Hudson, Girl Scouts, Lt. j.g. Kayla Abruzzese, Memorial High School, OS3 Adrian Ortegon, Tour
